Sr. CNC Programmer/Operator
About The Position
Astrolab designs and builds systems and hardware for the lunar economy, including rovers, power, and data networks for sustained operations on the Moon. The Sr. CNC Programmer/Operator is a highly experienced machinist responsible for programming, setup, prove-out, and operation of advanced CNC equipment supporting precision aerospace and hardware manufacturing, with a strong emphasis on 5-axis machining and mill-turn applications. The work includes complex multi-sided components, tight-tolerance parts, and challenging materials. The role combines writing and optimizing CNC programs, setting up machines, selecting tooling, troubleshooting machining issues, and operating equipment on the production floor. The position serves as a technical resource for the machining team and helps establish robust, repeatable, and efficient manufacturing processes. It works closely with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to translate engineering designs into manufacturable hardware and improve machining capability, cycle time, quality, and process reliability.
Requirements
- At least 5 years of CNC programming in a manufacturing environment using CAM software such as Mastercam, Fusion 360, NX CAM, GibbsCAM, or similar platforms.
- Experience operating and/or programming mill-turn or multi-tasking CNC equipment.
- Experience independently supporting machining from CAD model or engineering drawing through CAM programming, machine setup, prove-out, and completion of finished parts.
- Experience using precision measurement and inspection tools and working to defined quality requirements and specifications.
- Ability to stand for extended periods.
- Ability to occasionally lift up to 50 pounds.
- May need to work occasional overtime or shift flexibly to support production demands.
Nice To Haves
- Experience in aerospace, space hardware, automotive, medical device, or another high-precision manufacturing environment.
- Experience with DMG MORI or similar CNC machining platforms.
- Experience using NX CAM.
- Experience with ERP, MRP, MES, or other digital manufacturing systems and workflows.
- Experience with fixture design and Design for Manufacturability (DFM) principles.
- Experience supporting prototype development and/or low-volume production environments.
- Experience with lean manufacturing, continuous improvement, or similar manufacturing methodologies.
- Experience troubleshooting and solving complex machining or manufacturing challenges.
- Experience with G-code, machining principles, tooling, feeds and speeds, and work holding.
Responsibilities
- Develop, modify, prove out, and optimize CNC programs for 3-, 4-, and 5-axis machining centers and mill-turn equipment.
- Program complex aerospace components involving multi-sided machining, tight tolerances, and complex geometries.
- Develop toolpaths that balance cycle time, tool life, surface finish, and dimensional accuracy; use CAM software to program components and optimize toolpaths.
- Apply machining strategies for roughing, semi-finishing, finishing, drilling, tapping, boring, probing, and specialty operations.
- Perform simulation and post-processing, and verify G-code before machine execution.
- Adjust programs based on machine behavior, inspection results, tooling performance, and operator feedback; establish standardized programming practices and reusable machining strategies.
- Program and operate simultaneous 5-axis and 3+2 machining applications, as well as mill-turn and turning centers, including live tooling and complex rotational features.
- Develop workholding and fixturing approaches for complex parts.
- Manage coordinate systems, work offsets, tool length compensation, cutter compensation, probing, and machine kinematics; troubleshoot tool orientation, rotary-axis positioning, collision avoidance, and machine simulation issues.
- Perform first-article and first-run prove-outs of complex programs.
- Set up CNC machines using drawings, models, work instructions, and manufacturing documentation.
- Select cutting tools, holders, workholding, speeds, feeds, and machining parameters.
- Load and verify programs, tooling, offsets, fixtures, and inspection equipment.
- Operate CNC equipment safely and efficiently while maintaining tight dimensional control; monitor processes and make real-time adjustments as required.
- Troubleshoot chatter, tool wear, poor surface finish, dimensional drift, burr formation, and tool breakage.
- Establish and document repeatable setup procedures.
- Work with Engineering, Manufacturing Engineering, Quality, and Production to translate designs into manufacturable hardware and continuously improve machining processes.
Benefits
- Equity ownership in the company.
- Comprehensive health benefits, including medical, dental, vision, and mental health support.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Flexible PTO and parental leave.
- Weekly lunch stipend, plus complimentary snacks and beverages on-site.
- Monthly on-site social hour with food and drinks.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Senior
Education Level
No Education Listed
